| Theme | GIST : Current Progress on Diagnosis and Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Molecular Targeted Therapy for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) | |
| Publish Date | 2010/06 | |
| Author | Seiko Saito | Department of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama |
| Author | Toshiro Sugiyama | Department of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama |
| [ Summary ] | Developments in molecular targeted therapy have improved the prognosis for patients with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). In Japan, imatinib is approved as a first-line therapy, while sunitinib is approved for imatinib-resistant GISTs. The effect of these drugs depends on the site of c-kit gene mutations related to oncogenesis. Imatinib has also been demonstrated to have an adjuvant effect to prevent post-surgical recurrence against high-risk GIST patients having complete resection. However, the duration of administration of medications and the indications for them are under investigation. | |